2025 NBA Mock Draft: Rockets lean in bold direction in latest mock

The Houston Rockets have found some success with Twin Towers lineups.

That does not reference Hakeen OIajuwon and Ralph Sampson - although they demand acknowledgment. The Rockets' duo of big men defined an era, even if the following era found more success with Olajuwon alone. The Rockets still introduced the term Twin Towers into the NBA vernacular.

Since those days, the concept has declined in popularity. The league has trended towards small ball, but lately, it's trending back towards size. Versatility rules the day. The Rockets have found tremendous success in short bursts by pairing Steven Adams and Alperen Sengun.

Could they lean in that direction long-term?

Rockets draft big man in latest mock

That would be an option if they selected Duke's Khaman Maluach. That's what CBS Sports has them doing with the 13th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft.

They share the vision.

"Maluach is a shot-blocker, lob threat, and rim runner – just the archetype that has translated so frequently in recent years – not to mention an ideal complement to Alperen Sengun."

-Adam Finkelstein, CBS Sports

Just a few years ago, that notion would have been unthinkable. Nobody would have envisioned a long-term pairing of Sengun and Maluach.

Is it viable in 2025?

Rockets should explore jumbo-sized duo

It's hard to say.

Let it be said that Maluach is not Adams. He does not profile as an elite offensive rebounder and screen setter. The Rockets wouldn't as handily dominate the glass in minutes the big men shared. This would have to look different.

That doesn't mean it can't look good.

Sengun's ability to protect the rim has been under constant scrutiny. He's improved on the defensive end, but he seems to perform better at the level as compared to drop coverage. By contrast, Maluach profiles as an elite rim protector. He's also quick-footed enough to share open space with Sengun. Maluach is a more modernized big man than Adams.

The success of their duo may be contingent on Maluach's shooting development. He's flashed some potential in that area, but his 25.0% three-point shooting with Duke does not inspire confidence. Maluach has work to do in that area.

So does Sengun. For that matter, so does Amen Thompson. The Rockets would continue trending towards building a terrible shooting team if they made this choice.

They should consider it anyway.

If this works, it could give the Rockets a major edge over the competition. If it doesn't, Maluach could be Sengun's long-term backup. If he's a dominant enough defender, who knows? Sengun may look expendable.

The point is that Maluach's potential is sky high. He's got rare defensive tools, and seems like he's willing to learn. If he's on the board when the Rockets select, they have to look at him.

They could build their next dominant Twin Towers duo.